By Shera Phillips
On September 8, the residents of Gordon Plaza opened their arms at a rally organized by the People’s Assembly, and welcomed people to explore the nightmare that has been their reality for the past 22 years, the nightmare that has caused them physical, financial, emotional and spiritual pain. This nightmare, that outsiders were only able to catch a small glimpse of means life on land so toxic it has caused more death and disease than can be accounted for.
Upon arrival, a few things were alarming. This community is less than three blocks from a public school and college. To the average passerby, there is NO SEPARATION between toxic and “non-toxic” land. The neighborhood makes one feels transported back in time and the abandoned infrastructure reeks of devastation. As soon as I stepped out of the car, I noticed a stench in the air that made me think of the lives lost and the constant battle the residents of Gordon Plaza continue to fight to be recognized as human, deserving of a life free of the 150+ toxins that currently plague their existence.
It is not only imperative that the people of New Orleans, Louisiana, the United States and the world get involved in this fight, but it is especially important for people who live, play, work and study in this community where there is NO POSSIBLE WAY of containing its toxins. The 9th ward IS Gordon Plaza and the Residents NEED a FULLY FUNDED, IMMEDIATE RELOCATION. We are ALL affected. We MUST DEMAND our government’s accountability for their negligence! NOW AND ALWAYS! #WeAreGordonPlaza #BlackLivesMatter